Louise Kaplan to direct new nursing program at Saint Martin’s University
February 1, 2012
LACEY, WASHINGTON — Saint Martin’s University has hired Louise Kaplan, Ph.D.,
ARNP, FNP-BC, FAANP, to serve as director for its new RN-to-BSN program. The
program will offer registered nurses (RNs) the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of
Science in Nursing degree beginning in the fall 2012 semester. Kaplan brings a
wealth of experience in nursing practice, education, research, and health policy
to the position. As director, she will help shape the University’s program to
respond to today’s challenges for RNs.
“We
are delighted to welcome a nursing professional of such distinction and ability
to Saint Martin’s back to Thurston County,” says Eric Apfelstadt, Ph.D., dean of
Saint Martin’s College of Arts and Sciences. “Under Dr. Kaplan’s direction, we
expect our nursing program to grow as a leader in nursing education.”
Most recently, Kaplan served as a senior policy fellow at the American Nurses
Association (ANA) in Silver Spring, Maryland. Prior to her role at the ANA, she
was a tenured associate professor at Washington State University (WSU)
Vancouver, and has also taught for the University of Washington, Pacific
Lutheran University and George Washington University.
Kaplan has maintained an active clinical practice as a family nurse
practitioner and has served in leadership positions for numerous local, state
and national committees, health task forces and advisory councils.
A widely-published scholar, Kaplan is a Fellow of the American Academy of
Nurse Practitioners, a member of the Washington State Nurses Association Hall of
Fame, and a winner of the Outstanding Policy Award from the National
Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties and two Excellence in Teaching
Awards from the WSU College of Nursing.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the director of the
RN-to-BSN program. Saint Martin’s University will prepare nurses to meet what is
referred to as the ‘Triple Aim’ – better care for individuals, better health for
populations and lower health care costs,” says Kaplan. “RNs will be able to
apply their education in their current roles or embrace new career
opportunities. They will also be prepared to continue as lifelong learners,
whether through continuing education, self-directed learning, or study for
advanced degrees. Saint Martin’s University is helping to meet society’s
critical need for more highly educated nurses and I am proud to be part of this
endeavor.”
Kaplan began her position at Saint Martin’s on Jan. 17, 2012. Prospective
students interested in learning more about Saint Martin’s nursing program can
contact Kaplan at lkaplan@stmartin.edu
or 360-412-6129. For information about the program, visit
www.stmartin.edu/nursing.
Saint Martin’s University is an independent four-year, coeducational
university located on a 380-acre wooded campus in Lacey, Washington. Established
in 1895 by the Catholic Order of Saint Benedict, the University is one of 14
Benedictine colleges and universities in the United States and Canada, and the
only one west of the Rocky Mountains. Saint Martin’s University prepares
students for successful lives through its 21 majors and six graduate programs
spanning the liberal arts, business, education and engineering. Saint Martin’s
welcomes 1,250 students from many ethnic and religious backgrounds to its main
campus, and 650 more to its extension campuses located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord,
Everett College, Centralia College and Tacoma Community College. Visit the Saint
Martin’s University website at
www.stmartin.edu.
For additional information:
Eric Apfelstadt, Ph. D.
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
360-438-4564
Sarah Holdener
Director of community relations and event management
Office of Marketing and Communications
Saint Martin’s University
360-412-6140
sholdener@stmartin.edu